Des McDonogh winner at Downpatrick

Moynalty trainer Des McDonogh recorded his third winner of the season at Downpatrick yesterday when Alterno, owned by Jackie Bolger, won for the second time at the Ulster track.

Ardcath jockey Ger Fox had the steering duties on this occasion as Davy Russell, successful on the last occasion, was on board the Gordon Elliott-trained favourite Boudry.

Alterno won over course and distance last August and yesterday hit the front going to the last to win by a length.

Boudry was backed into 9/4 favourite on course, but could only finish fifth although Elliott recorded a treble on the day.

JOEY SASA

Meath businessmen Eamonn Duignan and Bernard Wooods were in the winners' enclosure when the Noel Meade-trained Joey Sasa won a three-runner hurdle on a first race since finishing fourth in the Galway Hurdle last August.

Jockey Jonathan Moore got the better of the two Gigginstown runners going on three from home.